Ferdinand, now 37, started his career with the Hammers as a teenager, making his way up through the ranks with the club before making his senior debut back in 1996.

Big-money moves to Leeds United and Manchester United followed, as Ferdinand established himself as one of the finest English defenders in recent memory, racking up 81 caps for his country whilst winning six Premier League titles and one Champions League at Manchester United.

Now retired following a spell with Queens Park Rangers last season, Ferdinand has been working as a pundit this term, but put his boots back on for Mark Noble's testimonial match at Upton Park on Monday.

After making his return to playing in a West Ham shirt, Ferdinand was asked about how he felt upon his Upton Park reunion, and told the club's official website that he was delighted to have played there for the final time ahead of West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium this summer.

Ferdinand suggested that whilst the Boleyn Ground is 'fantastic', it's time for West Ham to move on from their long-erm home, and he can't wait to visit the Olympic Stadium when West Ham do make their big move at the end of the season.

"It was great to be back on the pitch again," said Ferdinand. "This stadium holds great memories for me and this club will always be in my heart. I cannot wait to go to the new Stadium now.

"The Boleyn Ground is fantastic and I am an Academy product and it will always be in my system. But you have to understand that time is moving on and you have to move with those times," he added.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.